Nigeria’s rich boxing heritage gained new champions as the nation’s pugilists continued to dominate headlines with spectacular achievements in the ring. From Anthony Joshua’s devastating knockout to teenage sensation Raheem Animashaun’s record-breaking feat, Nigerian fighters have repeatedly proven their mettle on the global stage, writes PETER AKINBO
Anthony Joshua
The British-Nigerian heavyweight’s thunderous second-round knockout of Francis Ngannou in March earned him CBS Sports’ 2024 Knockout of The Year, cementing his status as one of boxing’s most fearsome punchers.
Joshua’s devastating right hand that separated the former UFC champion from consciousness highlighted a year that saw him compete three times, finishing with a record of 28-5 (25 KOs).
However, the two-time unified heavyweight champion’s campaign took a dramatic turn when Daniel Dubois stopped him in five rounds at Wembley Stadium in September, a bout that CBS Sports ranked as their second-best knockout of 2024.
Despite the setback, Joshua’s resilience saw him end the year ranked fourth in BoxRec’s heavyweight rankings, behind only Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois and Agit Kabayel.
Emeka Nwokolo
The Nigerian-American’s exceptional performances in 2024 earned him the Universal Boxing Organization’s Boxer of The Year award after capturing both the UBO International and world super welterweight championships.
“I woke up this morning to see this acknowledgement of my hard work in 2024 and it made me feel really good. It gives me confidence and makes me want to work even harder because this is only the beginning,” Nwokolo told our correspondent after his award win.
The 31-year-old Los Angeles-based fighter began his impressive run by stopping Clinton Chavez in five rounds to claim the UBO International title in Louisville, Kentucky in January.
Four months later, he dominated Colombian Jeovanis Barraza in Manchester, New Hampshire to capture the UBO world super welterweight crown alongside the WBA North American Boxing Association belt.
Elizabeth Oshoba
The 25-year-old sensation made history in January by becoming Nigeria’s first female boxer to win a world title, knocking out Italy’s Michela Braga in the 10th round at Copenhagen’s Royal Arena to claim the WBC silver featherweight crown.
“Yes, of course, I feel on top of the world. I am very happy with this title, it is my first (world) title but I am still focused and I can’t wait to fight more world title fights,” she had said after that victory.
Oshoba’s meteoric rise continued throughout 2024, maintaining a perfect professional record of eight wins with five knockouts, including a spectacular third-round stoppage of Argentina’s Agustina Rojas in June. Her impressive performances saw her break into BoxRec’s top five rankings, sitting fourth behind Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron.
Nigerian Boxing Board of Control Secretary-General Remi Aboderin believes Oshoba can achieve even greater heights.
“Now that she still has age and youthfulness on her side, she’s worthy of the main title and that should be her goal. We believe she and Efe Ajagba will soon be the made-in-Nigeria world boxing champions,” he said.
Idowu Rasheed
The Ibadan-based fighter’s journey to claiming the UBO African light-heavyweight belt epitomised the fighting spirit of Nigerian boxing, overcoming controversial circumstances to secure his rightful place among Africa’s elite.
Fighting in Accra, Ghana on April 13, Rasheed dominated local favourite Bastie Samir, dropping him twice in the second round before securing a knockout that initially sparked controversy when Ghanaian officials declared the bout a technical draw.
The Universal Boxing Organisation would later overturn the decision, awarding Rasheed his deserved victory and belt. The knockout was so impressive it earned UBO’s Knockout of The Year honours.
“I’m so happy and I give thanks to God and big thanks to my manager Mrs Edna Aiyegbeni. It means a lot for my life that I have this belt now, I have gained more knowledge and more fans all around the world,” Rasheed told our correspondent.
Raheem Animashaun
The teenage sensation capped an incredible year by emerging as West Africa’s youngest boxing champion when he claimed the WABU light-welterweight title via sixth-round technical knockout against Ghana’s Richman Ashelley in Lagos.
The 16-year-old’s meteoric rise continued at GOtv Boxing Night 32 on Boxing Day, where he secured the N1m cash prize and Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for Best Boxer after stopping Hammed Ganiyu. It marked his second consecutive Best Boxer award following his triumph at the 31st edition in May.
“This title is just a stepping stone to my winning more titles in future because I believe I have the qualities of Rocky Marciano, Azumah Nelson, Manny Pacquiao, Sugar Ray Leonard, Iron Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua to become the undisputed champion of the world,” the teenager said.